Childers, former Cup Series champion, new crew chief in Xfinity

Rodney Childers Finds New Direction at JR Motorsports

After his departure from Spire Motorsports in April, Rodney Childers, known for leading Kevin Harvick to the 2014 Cup Series championship, has secured a new position. Childers will serve as a crew chief in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports. At JR Motorsports, Childers will be at the helm of the No. 1 Chevrolet, which will be driven by Carson Kvapil and Connor Zilisch. This will be the first time Childers takes on the role of crew chief in the Xfinity Series.

Rodney’s resume and career speak for themselves. Rodney and I grew up together and have known each other since we were kids. That’s a relationship that has always been close and remains so to this day. We have always had an interest in working together in motorsports, and I am grateful that this opportunity has presented itself and we have been able to bring him into the JRM family.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports

Childers previously worked with Justin Haley at Spire, but the relationship did not thrive, leading to the separation of the team and crew chief. During his time at Stewart-Haas Racing, Childers achieved 40 victories and a Cup title with Harvick. In 2024, after Harvick’s retirement, he collaborated with Josh Berry. That year marked the end of Stewart-Haas Racing.

NASCAR and Jusan Hamilton: End of an Era

NASCAR has confirmed the departure of Jusan Hamilton, race director, with six races remaining to finish the season. Hamilton is no longer listed as a NASCAR employee, where his official title was general manager of competition operations. Hamilton began his NASCAR career as an intern in 2012 and returned in 2016, performing various functions. He oversaw NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, the development of pit crews, and NASCAR’s pro iRacing divisions, in addition to serving as a race director. Hamilton played a fundamental role in setting the annual schedule and the schedule for each race weekend. His first event as race director was in 2018 at Pocono Raceway. In 2022, Hamilton became the first Black race director to officiate the Daytona 500.